For Orange County and throughout Southern California, the need for meaningful investment in our transportation system has never been greater.

Our ability to remain economically competitive – to attract businesses and high-quality jobs – requires an efficient network of roadways and transit options to move people and goods. A rapidly growing population is putting even greater stress on an already overtaxed infrastructure. Air quality mandates will be impossible to meet without a reduction in traffic congestion.

The $556.5 billion in transportation improvements identified in the Southern California Association of Governments’ newly approved 2016-2040 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy will allow us to not only welcome 4 million new people to the six-county region over the next 25 years, but safeguard our environment, bolster our economy and make our daily commutes to and from work or school much more manageable.

For Orange County, the stakes are particularly high. The quality of life we so treasure is very much at risk as the demands on our transportation network have surpassed our ability to meet them. Adding another 400,000 people by 2040 only compounds the challenge.

Of that $48.5 billion, 58 percent would go to transit projects, 31 percent for highways and 12 percent for local streets and roads. Fully implemented, these projects would reduce per-capita traffic delays in Orange County by 40 percent.

It is important to note that the RTP/SCS does not implement funding, but lays out a comprehensive strategy for addressing the region’s current and future transportation challenges in compliance with clean air standards. As the metropolitan planning organization for our region, SCAG is required to by state and federal law to produce a long-range transportation plan every four years.

The 2016 plan, fully implemented, would net an 8 percent reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions across the SCAG region by 2020, an 18 percent reduction by 2035 and a 21 percent reduction by 2040 – all meeting or exceeding state requirements.

Other highlights of the regional plan include:

• A reduction in per capita traffic delays of 39 percent and heavy-duty truck delays of 37 percent.

• A reduction in per capita vehicle miles traveled of more than 7 percent – and a 17 percent reduction in average time spent on the roads – as a result of more efficient land use patterns and increased transit.

• A projected return on investment of $2 for every $1 invested in transportation improvements.

• 351,000 additional jobs each year tied to improved regional competitiveness and economic performance as a result of reduced congestion, better amenities and a higher standard of living. Of those jobs, 25,700 would be located in San Bernardino County.

Investing in our transportation system is no longer optional. Even setting aside years of deferred maintenance, building our economy, safeguarding our environment and meeting the needs of a growing population require expansion, innovation and funding.

The 2016 RTP/SCS is an important step in that direction.

Michele Martinez is a Santa Ana City Council member and incoming president of the Southern California Association of Governments.